QB competition down to 2

Asked if the three-way battle for the starting quarterback will eventually be narrowed down to two, Carroll paused for effect and said, “Yes.”

He’s just not saying when.

For now, Carroll said incumbent Tarvaris Jackson, high-priced free agent addition Matt Flynn and third-round draft pick Russell Wilson will continue to compete for the starting job once the team reconvenes for the opening of training camp in late July.

“It’s going to take us until we start playing games to see something happen, I think,” Carroll said. “At this point, they’re doing everything they can do with the opportunities. And they look good.

“I can’t tell you that there’s anything that has happened, other than we’ll stay with the same format going into camp, I don’t think that will change. T-Jack (Jackson) will go first, and away we go. Other than that, let the games begin”

Wilson got his turn to take the majority of reps with the first unit Thursday, the final day of minicamp before veterans pack their bags and head for vacation spots.

Wilson again displayed why Carroll made it a three-way competition, showing a firm command of the offense and the players in the huddle, and a whip of his arm in making some pinpoint throws from inside the pocket.

“He’s been very, very good for a first-time camper, and it’s going to be exciting to see how he plays in games,” Carroll said. “He’s always been a game player that’s done special things.

“You can’t always tell out here because we’re not at full-speed. I’m real anxious to see him in the preseason and see him go against NFL players, and I would expect that he’ll do well. I think he’s going to make things happen and he’s going to be exciting to see.”

Wilson’s also a perfectionist.

After overthrowing a pass by a couple inches during practice, Wilson stayed on the field after practice, making the same throw over and over to the corner of the end zone with quarterbacks coach Carl Smith looking on.

“I always believe (in trying to) fix it right then and there,” Wilson said. “And just focus on it.

“So that way when you walk off the field I feel like I really accomplished that throw today. I don’t want to be going home and thinking, ‘Aw, I really missed that throw today.’ Now I feel a little bit better about it. I made the completion, whatever it is.”

Cornerback Richard Sherman, also known for his competitive nature, respects Wilson’s fiery approach to the game.

“He’s a gunslinger,” Sherman said. “He puts the ball where it needs to be, and he puts it there hard. He tries not to give (defensive backs) a chance to get their hands on it. And if you get your hands on it, it’s going to be a tough ball to catch.

“I think he’s real confident in his abilities and where he wants to put the ball.”